Seminole, Volusia driver-ed programs still rolling despite bumpy road

Despite perpetual statistics showing that teen drivers have an inordinate number of accidents -- including a high fatality rate -- area school districts have been hard put to offer driver education, what with the state budget cuts that have gotten worse and worse during the years.

In Seminole that amounts to behind-the-wheel training at only two of its high schools, Lyman and Winter Springs, after school during the regular school year. The district revived driver ed with the pilot program three years ago and has hoped to expand it but hasn't had the money so far.

The after-school program was started to supplement summer school driver-ed classes that never had enough slots to serve all of the students who wanted to take the course. The County Commission and cities of Longwood, Winter Springs and Altamonte Springs kicked in to help fund the program. Funds from traffic tickets also helped.

Meanwhile, Volusia students now can begin registering for after-school and Saturday driver-ed courses available at its high schools in the second semester. While the courses are spread across the county, seats are limited.

Volusia also has announced plans for an online course that meets the state's requirement for a Drug Alcohol Traffic Awareness course students must take before receiving a restricted drivers license. While the behind-the-wheel course is free, officials say they have to charge $35 per student for the online course to cover costs.